(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. Once past the gee-whiz title, readers will find clear explanations for the phenomenon of immunity. Moving from early attempts to understand why some diseases killed selectively, through the discovery of germ theory, to a current explanation of the immune system, the book includes the contributions of key scientists. A discussion of AIDS and antibiotic abuse concludes the book, illustrated by well-captioned photos. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. Once past the gee-whiz attitude implied by these titles, readers will find accurate, readable explanations for the scientific principles here addressed. Both these series books include historical figures and their contributions (especially Inheritance), along with cogent examples such as desert ecosystems and sickle cell anemia. Up-to-date controversies and predictions conclude the books, illustrated with well-captioned photos. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Story of Science titles: The Treasure of Inheritance and The Wonders of Biodiversity.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. Once past the gee-whiz attitude implied by these titles, readers will find accurate, readable explanations for the scientific principles here addressed. Both these series books include historical figures and their contributions (especially Inheritance), along with cogent examples such as desert ecosystems and sickle cell anemia. Up-to-date controversies and predictions conclude the books, illustrated with well-captioned photos. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Story of Science titles: The Treasure of Inheritance and The Wonders of Biodiversity.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. Once past the gee-whiz title, readers will find accurate, readable explanations for the phenomenon of gravity. The text moves from classical attempts to understand why and how objects fall to the work of Kepler, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein's general theory of relativity. The book is ably illustrated by well-captioned photos and clear diagrams, such as the wormhole of a black hole. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. These books look at how our picture of the origins of and changes in life forms on earth have become more accurate over the centuries. Both start with early mythical "explanations," which were less comprehensible than the phenomena they purported to explain. The authors discuss the evolution of theories to the present. Diagrams, archival photos, and reproductions illustrate the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. A few minor errors in text or illustration mar these books, which are otherwise solid, well-written introductions to the topics. The books contain photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that are clear, captioned, and pertinent to the text. Topics covered include where comets come from, "a planet in disguise" (Pluto), and the life spans of stars. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. These books look at how our picture of the origins of and changes in life forms on earth have become more accurate over the centuries. Both start with early mythical "explanations," which were less comprehensible than the phenomena they purported to explain. The authors discuss the evolution of theories to the present. Diagrams, archival photos, and reproductions illustrate the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. These two books provide accurate histories of our understanding of the universe. Both authors trace improvements in the instruments used to observe and study astronomical bodies--from the naked eye to ground and orbiting radio and X-ray telescopes. They also discuss how notable astronomers used the resulting data to assemble coherent theories. Diagrams, archival photos, and reproductions accompany the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) YA Story of Science series. Gallant provides a solid summary of how humanity graduated from the chauvinistic view that Earth was the center of the universe. The reasoning involved at each stage is discussed, and many of the people involved are named--and their fates for denying accepted "knowledge" described. There are minor slips in the text but none critical to the arguments. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) YA Story of Science series. Students who think of geology only as memorizing rock names need to read this account of the history of the discipline. Though traditional in its emphasis on the progression of Western science, it is a well-written and thorough explanation of centuries of scientific thought leading up to the theory of plate tectonics. Good color photos and illustrations enhance the presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Story of Science series. Gallant provides a readable update on the state of paleo-anthropology and the study of human origins, making clear what is not yet known and showing alternative interpretations for current data. He also suggests what sort of information (usually more and better hominid fossils) is needed to decide among the alternatives. Color photos, charts, and maps accompany the text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) YA Story of Science series. Gallant provides a history of our search for, and changing beliefs about, the ultimate indivisible particle, starting with discussion of what an element is, then covering our increasing dependence on quantitative observation to guide the search. The effects of the process on human philosophy and industry are well described. Black-and-white and color photos and illustrations accompany the text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs